The Government has ruled out allowing a six-year-old boy permission to use cannabis in an effort to combat a rare form of childhood epilepsy, despite mounting pressure from MPs for clemency.

The Home Office said the drug “cannot be practically prescribed, administered or supplied to the public”, meaning Alfie Dingley will not be granted a licence to take the drug.

It came as members of the all-party parliamentary group on drug policy reform called on the Home Office to assist with Alfie’s plight, in an effort to reduce his seizures and hospital visits brought on by his condition.

Alfie Dingley, six, has been denied permission to use cannabis for medical purposes (PA Wire / family handout)

In a statement, a Home Office spokesman said: “We recognise that people with chronic pain and debilitating illnesses are looking to alleviate their symptoms.

“However, it is important that medicines are thoroughly tested to ensure they meet rigorous standards before being placed on the market, so that doctors and patients are assured of their efficacy, quality and safety.

“Cannabis is listed as a Schedule 1 drug, as in its raw form it is not recognised in the UK as having any medicinal benefit and is therefore subject to strict control restrictions.

Alfie going off to school in his purple t shirt to raise awareness of epilepsy.We never knew about epilepsy until the…